John Sotos, a cardiologist and author, wants to DNA test a blood stained Abraham Lincoln artifact to determine if the 16th president had multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2B. He believes that may be the reason for the presidents height, lumps on his lips, and gastrointestinal problems. Not only that, Sotos believes if Lincoln knew he was dying it may have changed the way he handled key decisions during his presidency, from managing the war to reconciling with the South. Sotos is also a consultant for the television series, House, according to a related post on DNA Amazing.
I read the Associated Press Lincoln DNA article at Boston.com. Sotos has requested DNA tests on artifacts in many museums, all of which have declined prior to The Grand Army of the Republic Museum and Library in Philadelphia. The Republic Museum is considering Sotos' request to perform DNA testing on a small piece of pillowcase Lincoln's head rested on after being shot.
Judging from the situation, there is a good chance that DNA can be extracted from the artifact. There was an abundance of blood during the incident, so Lincoln's DNA was definately transferred to the cloth. The artifact was most likely stored in a cool, dry place, which is ideal for DNA preservation. Overall, the odds of obtaining a DNA profile from the sample are very good. That being said, a DNA lab could very well determine that Lincoln carried the gene for MEN-2B.
On the other hand, the DNA testing would be destructive to the artifact. Technicians would need roughly a paper punch hole size piece of the cloth for testing. The artifact is already relatively small, so taking even a small piece would be significant. Plus, there is a chance that DNA can not be extracted from the sample.
All evidence shows that Lincoln's family probably does not want anything to be done, but wouldn't it be nice to discover something? It would definately lead to new speculation about Honest Abe.
